Roses are one of the most popular and universally loved flowers. They come in a variety of colors, each with their own special meaning and symbolism. The range of colors seen in roses is a result of cross-breeding that has taken place over many centuries. Roses are available in almost every color today except blue. There are over 100 species of roses and thousands of hybrids and cultivars, offering plenty of options when selecting the perfect rose.
Meaning of Rose Colors
The color of a rose can be an important factor in conveying certain emotions or meanings. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common rose colors and what they symbolize:
Red roses are the most common color and often signify love, passion and romance. They can also symbolize courage and respect.
Pink roses often represent grace, gentleness and admiration. They can also be given as an expression of romantic affection.
White roses are associated with purity, innocence and new beginnings. They are often used in wedding bouquets.
Yellow roses represent friendship and care. They can also symbolize joy and delight.
Orange roses convey enthusiasm and desire. They are brightly colored and bold.
Lavender or purple roses signify enchantment and love at first sight. The color purple also represents royalty.
Blue roses are symbolic of the impossible or unattainable. Since they do not occur naturally, they have come to mean mystery and longing to attain the impossible.
This overview shows the wide range of meanings associated with rose colors. It’s important to consider these traditional associations when selecting roses as gifts. However, the beauty of the rose is versatile enough to convey any feeling or emotion.
Natural Colors of Roses
Rose flowers naturally come in a spectrum of vibrant colors from bright reds to pale pinks, sunny yellows to creamy whites. Here are some of the colors that occur naturally in rose blooms:
Red – This is the most common rose color. It ranges from bright crimson reds to deep burgundies.
Pink – From candy-floss pale pinks to peachy sunset shades. Pink roses come in an array of delicate hues.
White – Pure snowy white roses with just a hint of cream or green tinting on the petal edges.
Yellow – Sunny shades from pale lemon to bold golden yellow. Sometimes with red tipped petals.
Orange – Vibrant warm oranges with fiery hints of red.
Lavender – Cool pastel purple tones that verge on blue and lilac.
Peach – Soft peachy pinks blending with apricot and orange.
Cream – Creamy off-whites that transition into a warm ivory tone.
The naturally occurring rose colors are influenced by the pigments called anthocyanins that are found within the flower petals. Different pigment levels result in the entire rainbow of rose shades.
Rose Color Shades
In addition to the main rose colors, there are many subtle variations and blends that increase the diversity. Here are some of the most striking rose color shades:
Mauve – Blend of purple and pink with grey undertones.
Apricot – Warm orangey shade with hints of pink.
Burgundy – Deep reddish-purple tone.
Blush – Mix of pink and white resembling a natural blush.
Ombre – Gradating color that transitions from dark to light.
Rainbow – Multicolored petals resembling a rainbow.
Coral – Vibrant reddish-orange hue resembling ocean coral.
Melon – Soft muted pinkish-orange tone.
Pearl – Shimmery white rose with a satin sheen.
Violet – Smooth blend between purple and blue.
The range of rose shades provides options for matching the color to your purpose, taste or theme. There are soft pastel mixes, vivid jewel tones, two-toned ombre blends and more.
Unique Rose Colors
In addition to all the colors found naturally, hybridizers have developed some unique and rare rose colors. Through careful cross-breeding, these distinctive shades can be achieved:
Blue – Considered the holy grail of rose colors. Blue roses do not exist naturally due to lack of delphinidin pigment but hybridizers have managed to engineer blue blooms.
Black – The darkest shades of red and purple create roses so deep they appear black. ‘Black Magic’ is an example.
Green – Roses with green pigments have been bred such as ‘Viridflora’ and ‘Green Ice’. The green coloring is usually subtle rather than vivid.
Brown – These roses get their unusual color from purple pigments combined with orange. ‘Brownie’ is a popular brown rose.
Grey & Silver – Cool, moody blooms in muted greyish purple shades achieved through selective breeding.
Multicolor – Striped, flecked, edged and patched roses in a mixture of complementary colors.
These unique rose shades are less common than the classics but add exotic flair and diversity to the color range. They require expertise and patience to breed such unusual colors.
Most Popular Rose Colors
Although roses come in a virtual rainbow of colors, some shades dominate the market. Here are the most popular rose colors:
Red – The red rose is the undisputed classic. It never goes out of style and is perfect for romantic gifts.
Pink – Soft, feminine pink is another top seller, ideal for showing affection and admiration.
White – Crisp, pure white roses are simple but elegant, suitable for weddings or sympathy.
Yellow – Cheerful yellow roses convey friendship and are perfect as birthday flowers.
Orange – Bold, bright orange roses make a vibrant, eye-catching arrangement.
Lavender – The pastel purple lavender rose has surged in popularity in recent years.
Peach – Subtle peach roses have also gained favor for their warm, understated beauty.
These favorite rose colors dominate the floral industry in number of stems sold. Classic reds and pinks remain perennial top sellers year after year.
Rose Color Meanings
Rose colors carry rich symbolism, so consider these traditional associations of rose colors and choose accordingly:
Red – Love, romance, respect, courage, passion
Pink – Grace, happiness, admiration, appreciation
White – Purity, humility, innocence, spirituality
Yellow – Joy, delight, friendship, optimism
Orange – Fascination, enthusiasm, desire, pride
Lavender – Enchantment, majesty, love at first sight
Peach – Gratitude, sincerity, modesty
Black – Farewell, sorrow, death
Of course, rose lovers are free to assign their own personal meaning to their favorite rose color. But being aware of these traditional associations can help in selecting a rose shade for a particular purpose or message.
Rose Colors Based on Location
Interestingly, rose color preferences can vary by region and culture. Here are some geographic rose color favorites:
North America – Red, white, pink, lavender
Europe – Red, yellow, white
Asia – Pink, white, lavender, yellow
Middle East – Yellow, lavender, white
Australia – Pink, red, white
So a red rose may be a classic symbol of romance in North America, but in the Middle East, yellow or lavender roses may be more suited to expressing affection. It’s worth considering cultural variations if sending roses internationally.
Rose Color Availability
While roses naturally come in a spectrum, some colors are easier to source than others depending on location and season. Here is an overview of rose color availability:
Year-round – Red, pink, white, yellow, orange
Seasonally – Lavender, peach, coral, burgundy, purple
Limited availability – Blue, black, green, brown, grey
Custom order only – Multicolor, ombre, rainbow
The classic rose tones of red, pink, white and yellow can be readily sourced year-round. More unique shades are usually seasonally available or need custom advance ordering. Speak to your florist about color preferences and availability.
Organic Rose Colors
Organically grown roses have the same color range as conventionally grown, but availability may differ. Here are the most common organic rose colors:
Red – Widely available year-round.
Pink – Range of soft pinks readily available.
White – Good year-round availability.
Yellow – Decent availability but limited seasons.
Orange – Sparse seasonal availability.
Lavender – Very limited, mostly custom order.
For the most robust color range, organic rose growers focus on the classics like red, pink and white. More unique organic rose colors can be custom grown but require planning.
Rose Color Genetics
The diverse colors of roses are genetically controlled by three pigment genes in various combinations:
Red pigment – Cyanidin gives red, purple and magenta rose colors.
Yellow pigment – Carotenoids result in yellow roses.
White genes – Lack of pigment produces white roses.
Additional genes like dilution, pH and metallic genes further modify the rose color. The interaction of these genetic factors leads to the rainbow of shades seen in modern roses. Understanding these genetics has allowed rose hybridizers to breed for specific colors.
Historical Development of Rose Colors
While most rose colors occur naturally, humans have been able to expand the color range through purposeful hybridization over centuries:
1700s – Early rose hybrids were limited to pinks and whites.
1800s – Yellow and red roses were developed by hybridizers.
1900s – Orange, lavender, peach and ombre roses emerged.
2000s – Unique roses in blue, black, green and brown introduced.
So while red roses have the longest history, breeders in the past century have created a virtual kaleidoscope of new colors. This has opened up many possibilities for rose gifting and display.
Rose Color Stability
Some rose colors are more genetically stable than others. Here is how they compare in color fastness:
Very Stable – Red, white, pink, yellow, orange
Moderately Stable – Lavender, peach, coral
Less stable – Purple, burgundy, some bicolors
Least stable – Blue, black, green, grey
Red roses bred to stay red will maintain their hue well over a long vase life. In contrast, the unique shades are harder to lock in and may change tone as the bloom ages. Speak to your grower about color stability of rare shades.
Pairing Rose Colors
Roses look beautiful together in coordinated bouquets and pairings. Here are some complementary rose color combinations:
Pink and White – Classic, feminine, bridal
Red and White – Timeless, elegant, purity with passion
Yellow and Orange – Bright, lively, fun
Burgundy and Lavender – Deep, rich, regal
Peach and Apricot – Warm, tropical sunset
Red and Pink – Harmonious blend, romance and admiration
Get creative and design rose pairings that reflect themes meaningful to you or the recipient. Contrasting and coordinating colors can both create stunning results.
Conclusion
Roses have one of the broadest color ranges of any flower. From purest white to deepest red and every shade in between, they offer virtually limitless options. With each color conveying its own special sentiment, the possibilities are endless for creating personalized rose gifts. Next time you order roses, take a moment to reflect on the vast spectrum available. The right color can help express your message and make any occasion a little more beautiful.
